ROSEVILLE, Calif. (May 19, 2009) –– Members of UFCW Local 8-Golden State and members of Southern California UFCW Local 1036 in three counties — Inyo, Mono and Kern — have voted in overwhelming numbers to ratify an agreement to join forces.

"The ratification vote affirms UFCW 8’s standing as a statewide voice that commands the respectful attention of employers," President Jacques Loveall said.

"I have always advocated stronger solidarity among UFCW sisters and brothers in Northern and Southern California," he said. "This merger means that UFCW 8 will have a voice in matters that affect the UFCW membership from the Oregon border to the Mexican border."

Loveall noted that UFCW 8 will have a seat at the bargaining table when Southern California’s UFCW Local Unions meet with the major supermarket employers to negotiate a new contract in 2011.

"This will be an important step toward marshaling all of our Union’s strength throughout California to win the strongest possible contracts for all of our members," Loveall said.

The merger was supported by the UFCW International Union, which encourages Local Unions to combine into stronger bargaining units.

UFCW 8-Golden State now represents some 35,000 members who work in stores, plants and offices from the Oregon border in the north to Kern County in the south.